Scarlett Johansson has defended John Travolta and described the image of him kissing her on the Oscars red carpet as "an unfortunate still-frame". The actress didn't appear impressed when John greeted her with a kiss and his arm around her waist as she posed for the cameras ahead of the Academy Awards, but said that the picture – which has since been turned into an Internet meme – didn't truly reflect the moment.In a statement to The Associated Press on Thursday, 30-year-old Scarlett said: "There is nothing strange, creepy or inappropriate about John Travolta. He is a true class act and everyone in the business would agree.
© Photo: Getty ImagesScarlett Johansson has defended John Travolta, saying the photo is an 'unfortunate still-frame'
"The image that is circulating is an unfortunate still-frame from a live-action encounter that was very sweet and totally welcome. That still photo does not reflect what preceded and followed if you see the moment live. Yet another way we are misguided, misinformed and sensationalised by the 24-hour news cycle. "She added, "I haven't seen John in some years and it is always a pleasure to be greeted by him."Scarlett and 61-year-old John have indeed been friends for a while; they starred together in the 2004 film A Love Song for Bobby Long, for which Scarlett received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama.
© Photo: Getty ImagesScarlett and John in another, less-publicised, photo from the 2015 Oscars
Earlier this week, John's representative spoke out about the star's other infamous moment from this year's Oscars, confirming that his tactile appearance on stage with Idina Menzel was totally planned."It was rehearsed in total," John’s spokesperson said of the choreography, which saw the Pulp Fiction actor repeatedly stroke singer Idina's face. "John loved working with Idina Menzel. John had a great time at the Oscars because his wife Kelly Preston and his daughter Ella were in attendance with him."
